Michael Peter Smith

Michael Peter Smith is a Chicago based singer/songwriter. Chicago Magazine once called him "The greatest songwriter in the English language". He has been singing and composing since the 1960's, and his rich and challenging songs have been recorded by more than 30 performers.

He is best known for writing The Dutchman, which was popularized by Steve Goodman and also recorded by Tom Russell, John McDermott?, Gamble Rogers, Jerry Jeff Walker, Josh White Jr., the New Kingston Trio, Liam Clancy, Anne Hills, Suzy Boggus, Norm Hacking, and Robert James Waller.

Smith was born on September 7 1941 in South Orange, New Jersey. South Orange was a rough-edged factory town and shades of it linger throughout his writing. He attended Catholic school as a child (Our Lady of the Valley and Our Lady of Sorrows in the Oranges), which would go on to shape much of his writing. A notable example is his song